On Climate Change Action, the Differences Between Maryland and Virginia Couldn't Be Greater

Having lived in the DC metro region for a few years now, I’ve noticed there is a bit of a rivalry between those who live in Maryland and those who live in Virginia (don’t get me started on those who live in DC). Virginians gloat about the lower tax rates and generally better public school systems while Marylanders take pride in their more progressive state policies. As a Virginian myself, you can put me down for Team Virginia. But I’ll freely admit, however, that when it comes to acting on climate, Maryland leaves us in the dust.

While both states face many of the same climate risks, from rising seas to more heavy rainfall events to flooding and even drought, their response (or lack of response in Virginia’s case) could not be more different. With a wide variety of resources available to help states plan for a changing climate, such as our Getting Climate Smart guide, there are no excuses left for states like Virginia to not be planning and preparing.

The debate on which state is better will continue but when it comes to acting on climate change, there’s no question that it’s Maryland 1, Virginia 0.

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